Ancient stone moved from archaeological site in Cyprus

POLICE ARE investigating what they believe to be the attempted theft of a giant 2,000-year-old standing stone (tripiti), which was been removed from the archaeological site in Pissouri.

Although police later found the stone in a nearby field, it is believed that thieves intended to return with proper equipment to transport the massive monument.

“This attempted theft is an act of mindless vandalism, of contempt for the people of Cyprus and the community this ancient monument belongs to,” said one concerned local, who asked to remain anonymous.

“It was a site of considerable beauty and archaeological interest,” he added.

Archaeologists believe that these stones were the height of olive oil extraction technology 2,000 years ago, before the superior Roman screw-press was invented.